by Sabdie Alvarado, Elizabeth Badely, and Shelby Thigpen

Mexican Culture

American’s Growing Observance of Cinco de Mayo

“Cinco de Mayo has its roots in Mexico but has become uniquely American.”

Alvar W. Carlson gives a brief history of Cinco de Mayo and how it has become a major festival here in the United States. Cinco de Mayo has become more popular today in America than in Mexico. Cinco de Mayo was first introduced during the Chicano Movement in the ’60s and celebrated by Mexican Americans as a sense of cultural pride. Carlson brings up the issue of how many non-Hispanics now use it as an excuse to appropriate Mexican culture by dressing up in stereotypical Mexican costumes and drink excessively.

Must Read:

Maria Sarita Gaytán, ¡Tequila! Distilling the Spirit of Mexico(2014)

This fascinating book insights the reader with the production, inspection and processes that create the unique quality of Tequila found in Jalisco, Mexico. The book explores the Tequila’s ties to Mexican nationalism, identity and culture. At the same time she explores the power dynamics where large multinational tequila companies benefit more than local small-scale producers in the Tequila region.